Quality of Life :Featured Stories

Pittsburgh is drawing attention as a destination for food, investment, baseball, livability, charm, and retirement, despite air service to only 36 destinations from Pittsburgh International Airport. Officials maintain they're on a mission to increase air service.

A picturesque rehabbed farm in western Pennsylvania is the site of Kobold Expedition Tools, a state-of-the-art manufacturing facility that has pioneered a rebirth in American watchmaking. This story first appeared in livingthegrove.com and has been updated to include information about the April 25 earthquake in Nepal.

The capital joins Philadelphia and Pittsburgh in dedicating a week of festivities to its thriving craft beer scene. Head to Harrisburg April 24 through May 2 for cool tastings, creative collaborations and unforgettable events. Come thirsty!

Long known as Pittsburgh's epicenter for gourmet and specialty food items, the Strip District is also becoming the go-to spot for burgeoning floral businesses. The vibrant neighborhood's flower shops and flower wholesalers play a large part in nurturing the history, current landscape, and future of the neighborhood.

With beautification projects, a possible reversal of a centuries-old liquor ban, and new life for the historic Wilkinsburg Train Station in its sights, this East End borough is primed for investment and development.

When playgrounds and playdates start to feel a little stale, amp up your household calendar with one of the many family-friendly events coming up in the city. From the athletic to the artistic, Pittsburgh abounds with surprising options for entertaining family memories. Here, Pop City's top picks for 2015.

From bottle labeling parties to drinks with dinosaurs, Pittsburgh's beloved cultural institutions are redefining the rules of attraction. Pop City curates the city's most innovative mix-and-mingle experiences.

With increasing concerns over serious contagious illnesses like measles and the tension between public safety and privacy regarding health information, the Kinsa Smart Thermometer could change the way health information is shared.

Summer in the city still seems a long way off, but Pittsburgh's gearing up to welcome the best way to stay cool since the water steps. This thousand-foot slip 'n slide promises awareness for local charities and a backyard cooldown in an urban setting.

As the first city in the world to legalize the sale of recreational marijuana, Denver is facing a rush of entrepreneurialism, gentrification, and -- in some sectors -- controversy. An in-depth look into how the budding pot industry is affecting the city's economic and social landscape.

More than 3,500 babies born throughout 2015 at local facilities will go home with an early appreciation of art, thanks to Start With Art: PGH. The project distributes signed, original photographs from local artists to newborns.

Creative entrepreneurs have been resurrecting former Pittsburgh churches and turning them into all manner of gathering spaces for years. The movement has gained such momentum in the region that lately, the trend has turned into a kind of modern tradition.

Pop City's resident craft beer experts, Tim and Devon Murdoch of the blog PintsPenniesPittsburgh.com, created an Advent calendar of local brews. As you say farewell to 2014, fill your seasonal cup of cheer with a tasty homegrown beer.

Fixing up the common areas in your neighborhood can have a butterfly effect that enlivens the whole community. Cheap and easy, these nine do-it-yourself tips can transform a street from so-so to showstopper.

In our hyperconnected, digital age, people hunger for real stories. In Cleveland and across the country, storytelling nights are growing thanks to the popularity of The Moth, This American Life and other programs that elevate life into art.

The building blocks of a healthy lifestyle, including access to fresh, nutritious foods and opportunities for exercise, aren't distributed equitably across Pittsburgh's neighborhoods. Several initiatives in the city are working to change that.

Though this eastern borough of Pittsburgh may be small, its ideas are big. With a forward-thinking mayor and new businesses opening up, Braddock is poised to rise from the soot of the Edgar Thomson Steelworks stronger than ever.

There are many reasons why it's great to have a family in Pittsburgh, not least of which are the many novel resources available to pregnant women and young children. From pharmacological research to the first milk bank in Pennsylvania, giving birth in the 'Burgh has never been better.

For today's top talent, the job market is only one thing to consider when choosing where to live. They also want a vibrant city to plug into, a creative place where they can network with other smart people, and a dynamic place where they can find their next job.

There are so many wonderful things in Pittsburgh that have nothing to do with fries on a sandwich. Here's a short list of what repatriated Pittsburghers said they missed most about Steel City, and would be on their list of things to do should they ever leave again. Also, we want to know, what's on your Pittsburgh bucket list?

Party on a bridge and bask in the glow of 150,000 LED lights this Friday for Light Up Night®, one of the largest holiday celebrations in the country. From the brand new Jazzmasters stage to the beloved PPG Place Wintergarden, it's a night for time honored traditions and dazzling new adventures.

Would our perspective of our city change if we viewed it as a startup? The ingredients are similar: great talent, sufficient capital, and a top-notch culture. A recent conference of CEOs for Cities explored this theme of City as a Startup and we report on some of the big themes and interesting ideas.

From the venerable East End brews to the newer and impressive Full Pint beers, we toast the breweries that are raising the bar, so to speak, when it comes to craft beer in our region. Here's the guide to who's brewing what, from hoppy IPAs to spiced dark ales and much more.

How to mark 10 massively successful years supporting game-changing artistic, entrepreneurial and community-based projects in Pittsburgh? What began as a "10 artists, 10 minutes each" presentation has evolved into a one-night-only festival-style powerhouse featuring the city's most compelling and cutting-edge performances. Move over Hothouse, TENACITY is in (down)town.

New Girl first wrote about falling in love with our city a few years ago and she's been writing about it every since. Now in an attempt to raise the bar, she offers a wish list to keep our city thriving and vital. What's on your list?

From a chocolate fondue wrap where you are painted in cocoa powders and oils, to rocking away on classic verandas, New Girl in Town has found plenty to do within hours of Pittsburgh. Time to hit the road, and seal this season with a kiss. Chocolate, of course.

Food trucks are all the rage in major cities, with many bringing innovative and fun food, not to mention lots of people, to the streets. While Pittsburgh has some good food trucks--the Cupcake Mobile is the newest--we could have lots more if not for certain city rules. Find out what's stopping this burgeoning movement and where to find the food trucks on the scene now.

If we don't all hang together, then surely we shall all hang separately. That's Ben Franklin speaking but he could be speaking for us, argues Douglas Heuck in this major benchmarking report about the Pittsburgh region. From arts and education to environment and health, there's a wealth of information that shows where we are so we can better determine where we need to be. Where do we lead? Where do we lag? Think you know Pittsburgh? Start reading.

What can we learn from the City of Brotherly Love? In our series looking at other cities and what lessons Pittsburgh can take away, we focus on our cross-state frenemy, Philadelphia, with its many treasured museums, bustling markets and murals to spare. (But what about their football team?)

From the best offbeat places to get married to our series Why I Moved to Pittsburgh, our annual Top Feature Stories reflects our readers' interests in better navigating their city and learning more about the issues that matter. Some are guides to our city that are referenced often while others are about learning from our mistakes. Five of them, to be specific. And the top story? So quintessential Pop City, as you will see.

As a kid, he hung out a lot in casinos with his fun-loving grandmother. As a college grad with the lucky number of 10, he decided to gamble on a move to Pittsburgh in the year 2010. And now? He's gathered a list of the top 10 reasons why Pittsburgh is such a great place to bet on.

She takes thousands of out of town visitors through Pittsburgh every year so she knows a thing or two about showing off the city. The difference is, she never leaves her house. Here's an amusing and whimsical tour--complete with video--of our favorite city by an author who promotes us in a unique way.

Mundania Horvath arrived in Pittsburgh in the late '90s then left for a larger gay community. But the buzz she kept hearing about the amazing art scene lured her back. When she noticed that Pittsburgh's art and design world wasn't getting attention from bloggers, she started one of her own called Steeltown
Anthem. Now she's happily a part of the creative landscape here and writing about it for all to see, with compelling photos provided by her partner.

Where do Pittsburgh college students go when they leave campus? There's much to choose, from cool tea cafés to BYOB arcades. This guide, written by our Pop City intern and recent college grad, offers a selection of hangouts that are a must for any student.

in the words of one female fan, every Sunday is a party. New Girl in Town set out to explore the phenomenon that is the Steeler Nation, that fan base of Steeler fans here and across the country--and how many of them are women. Meet some here and find out why black and gold is the new black. Here we go...

Where do you go for really good bar food in Pittsburgh? If there's such a thing as a connoisseur of bar eats, we have one on staff. Our Pop City development news editor, John Farley, takes you through the East side of town on a tour of gastro delights, from an indescribably good burger to a $5 Starving Artist's dinner, not to mention tempting libations. Double yoi!

The results are in. The environmental survey many Pop City readers took months ago just prior to World Environment Day and then again after the event, is now published. So what have we learned about our environmental habits and our overall knowledge? Quite a bit, and much of it encouraging. But not all. Find out where we scored high and low and what we wish for in our region.

In an annual ritual, two families of peregrine falcons, living atop the Cathedral of Learning and the Gulf Tower, are inspected by staff of the National Aviary and others. The recovery of these incredible creatures represents the leading edge of a decades-long conservation effort here in Pittsburgh. The results can be seen flying over our heads--and in this amazing photo slide show.

The good news is, the Pittsburgh bookstore scene is still alive. In recent
months, Joseph-Beth downsized yet increased foot traffic while local favorite Copacetic Comics expanded and relocated and the Penn Avenue Arts District welcomed a new bookstore that could become to street poets in Pittsburgh what Caliban is to university writers.

Visit Pittsburgh's Craig Davis takes us on a whirlwind five-hour "Life is great, I'm in freaking Paris!" tour of the City of Light. The only way to get there in style is on the direct flight from Pittsburgh to Paris which he describes at length here. It's uber-convenient. With a great movie selection. And comfortable. Don't believe it? Book a flight and see for yourself.

Welcome to the latest installment of the Pittsburgh bloggers series. In this edition, we bring you a blogger who loves craft beers, a brown-eyed baker, a gardener and a
gentleman who, in just a few months, has become absolutely enthralled by
the river that flows behind his home.

Where to go for the best hamburgers and hot dogs in town? You might be surprised. From Franktuary, of course, to the best Kobe burger in town at Nine on Nine (trust us on this one), we'll show you where to go to satisfy the cravings that only intensify in the summer. Grill, baby, grill.

We get hit with this question a lot at Pop City: where is a great spot to get married in Pittsburgh? Aside from the usual (and fabulous) well known places, we have some suggestions, from the out-of-the-way Barn at Fallingwater to the out-of--the-ordinary Sixth St. Bridge.

Meet a group of young female artists who are taking an abandoned, rundown building in Braddock and creating an exciting new space for art and community called the Transformazium. And they're doing it the smart, sustainable way by using a method called deconstruction, a sustainable alternative to demolition that's gaining ground in Pittsburgh. Not only is this movement attracting talented young people from other
places, but it also promotes economic, social, and environmental development.

Find out why Pittsburgh is dubbed Kidsburgh in this entertaining and informative video by Steel Town Entertainment. Gregg Behr of the Grable Foundation is your guide as he takes you from the world-class Children's Museum of Pittsburgh to the studios of Mr. Roger's neighborhood and places inbetween.

Bike. Walk. Explore. Tour. Go on a historic bender. Lots of visitors find much to do besides the obvious in beautiful and historic Homewood Cemetery, whether it's gardening in one of the community plots (yes, we said plots) or taking the guided tour in the Heinz Mellon area called "Taking it With You."

While the economic potential for Marcellus Shale drilling is mindblowing, there are strong environmental concerns about the impact to our water and land. What are the risks and consequences of frack drilling and are some companies doing it better than others? Pop City takes a closer look at the pros and cons of drilling for natural gas in the Marcellus Shale and asks, can we get this right?

In our continuing series of people moving to Pittsburgh, we focus on Rob de la Cretaz from New Jersey, who was captivated by Pittsburgh after visiting. He saw a sense of promise, and a progressive, forward-thinking mentality. Not to mention the huge arts community and an impressive tech presence. Learn how quickly Rob formed his own community through PodCamp, Bike Pittsburgh, and PGH Tweet-Ups and more.

Dear Graduating College Student, As you face your future and a lifetime of major decisions, can we help make a big one easier? Consider staying here in Pittsburgh. While we were writing you this letter, Pittsburgh was named the #2 best city in the country for graduating seniors. And just last week Forbes magazine named us Most Livable City.. One reason why? We're hiring. We have this website with more than 20,000 jobs in the region. Not a typo. 20k. Keep reading.

High in the sky over Pittsburgh, a team gathered on the top of the U.S. Steel Building to take the first ever 360-degree panorama photo of Pittsburgh--and far beyond. How? Using gigapan technology, of course. Check out the the image, zoom in to find amazing detail, and read the remarkable story of how it came to be, along with plans for the highest park in the country, right here in Pittsburgh.

While everyone has heard of Animal Friends, not everyone knows it's a model nationwide for its role in our community. From matching pets to owners to controlling pet population, this group stands heads and tails above others in advocating for animals. Oh, and they throw great parties and events, too. How about BYODog to W(h)ine Night or Bow Wow Bingo?

It's new, it's a show-stopper and it's something Pittsburgh has long needed. The luxurious and enviro-friendly Fairmont Hotel opened to accolades last week and in this photo slide show, our Pop City photographer shows you why.

Vivian Loftness blazed a green trail in Pittsburgh when she arrived at Carnegie Mellon a few decades ago and she continues to be on the forefront of architecture and building performance. Read about a leader in her field then watch her inspiring TEDxLP video about our mortal imperative to preserve the earth for our children and how we can do it.

After gathering data for a year, the Pittsburgh Foundation's Grant Oliphant made his move -- and the spectacular results turned out to be a game changer. Learn more about the gamble, the computer crash, the impressive wave of support that caused it and the person behind it all.

A nationally unique organization is working to turn high schoolers into neighborhood preservationists -- and engines of economic development. What started as a Carnegie Mellon grad school project has morphed into the only preservationist association in the country dedicated solely to youth engagement in architecture, history and civics. Founder Dan Holland explains.

As a follow up to an article we featured on what New Girl in Town said Pittsburgh needs, we now feature your comments and suggestions, from food carts and more airline connections to improved energy efficiency and all that jazz. And for all you entrepreneurial types out there, keep in mind that needs=opportunities.

We hear it more and more these days: we have to start acting like a region to better compete in this global economy. But John Denny argues in his latest thought piece that we already are acting like a region. He names five different regional initiatives that have achieved success or are showing promise. And then of course he has to ask: what's on your list?

What's new and exciting in town? Follow New Girl as she gets the dish on the newest restaurants--one is a plum, the other is a contradiction in terms--along with unique museums and an architecturally stunning building with a big name (or two) on it.

If you want to look at just one thing that has transformed Pittsburgh, look at the Riverfront trails. In this video, recreational users, dog owners and even a wedding couple explain why they love the idyliic and scenic Northshore trails. May we suggest: Get out there while the weather is still good.

All across the city, young, visionary architects are helping to reshape the way Pittsburghers think about where and how we live. As one architect says, they're implementing new ideas, improving neighborhoods and proving that good design is sustainable. Not to mention creating very cool spaces for living.

A fairly new Peruvian polleria in the Strip is attracting a lot of attention for its signature dish of marinated and roasted chicken. Meet the young and spirited owner from Peru, Shelbin Santos, who insists on an authentic experience and delivers.

Want to see one of the most unusual and appealing real estate developments in Pittsburgh? Check out Washington's Landing, a brownfield redevelopment on an island within view of downtown. With bike paths and boats and kayaks, it offers something out of the ordinary, with views to die for.

The exceptional Society for Contemporary Craft in the Strip District is one of the few places in the country focusing on modern crafts. Go for the first class exhibits, or go for the classes, or go for the outstanding gift shop. Just go, and experience a cultural institution that makes Pittsburgh proud.

In a region that is rich in arts, you might think you've seen it all, but there's always something new, or even old, to discover. From a pair of rockers to some final resting places, here are a few under-the-radar cultural gems you might not be familiar with. Feel free to add your own.

Want to see the real Pittsburgh? Pop City photographer Brian Cohen captures the essence of our city in this compelling and beautiful slide show. Yes, we've come a long way and as the international spotlight shines upon us, Pittsburgh takes a bow.

As all eyes turn to Pittsburgh, arts organizations in town are banding together to demonstrate their awesomeness. Pittsburgh is Art, they declare, and its impact on the region is profound--from creating new intersections with the business world to spurring revitalization in our city. Signed by 30 heads of arts groups, this editorial might make you think differently about the true value of art in a region blessed with an abundance.

When Wendy Downs and Jeremy Boyle decided to relocate their business and their family, they looked for three things in a new city: opportunity, creativity, and a sense of belonging. No surprise they landed in Pittsburgh from Western Massachusetts. Then they narrowed their choice down to the newly renamed West End Village and found they loved it.

With all the bike riders in Pittsburgh lately--Pittsburgh is ranked #11 in city residents commuting by bike--we're interested in advancing bike safety. So here's our guide and lessons learned to help you avoid some of the mistakes this writer and others have made. Some are basic. Others are epic. We say have fun but be careful out there!

As the new director of the Pittsburgh office of the Rand Corporation, now 180 strong and growing, Susan Everingham is pleased with its location and the work they're doing here. A transplant from Southern California, she's also pleasantly surprised by what she found here. Now with the upcoming G-20 summit, she hopes the rest of the world discovers it, too.

When it comes to walkable neighborhoods, Pittsburgh rules. Most of our 90 neighborhoods are walkable and they're anything but pedestrian. Take in the architecture, the bricked streets, the corner bakery that make up the scenery. Walking is a beautiful thing and with all the walking tours in town, there's no excuse for not knowing your way around.

New Girl is dreaming big again, this time about the ultimate romantic evening in Pittsburgh that comes complete with a little black dress, the perfect mojito, a fabulous restaurant and more. Join her, and a few others, on her quest as she shops Nordstrom, hits some nice bars around town and longs for a certain hotel to open. Who knew she was such a romantic? Well, we did actually, but that's another story.

For those who love to ride bikes and wield sticks, here's your sport: bike polo, a new and exciting street game that requires little more than two wheels and a desire for a good time. Everyone is welcome. BYOB (that's bike).

If we could remove one thing from Pittsburgh, it might be the cigarette butt litter strewn over our landscape. While unsightly, research now shows that those cigarette butts are also toxic to our environment, polluting our streams and rivers. Here's what some Pittsburgh groups are doing to stamp out the problem.

He could have commuted to Pittsburgh during the work week but Tim Nolan and his wife Beth decided to move here instead. The draw? The universities, for one, along with a few only-in-Pittsburgh amenities such as PNC Park and that stunning skyline view. Now they think Pittsburgh is one of America's best-kept secrets.

Paris is magical. After winging our way over on the inaugural direct flight, we can tell you how much easier the journey was flying nonstop and why you, too, will fall under this city's spell. Just don't go changing your name.

Staying in Pittsburgh this summer instead of going overseas? We've got you covered in our five-day staycation plan. There's so much to do that we had trouble packing it all in, from the Warhol to rocking out the Riverfront trails, you'll find a summer full of fun.

While liiving the suburban lifestyle in Maryland, this young couple did a search for a great city to move to and decided on Pittsburgh. Then they took it one step further and opted to live the urban lifestyle downtown--with their young son.

It will rock the conceptions you have of hospitals. The new Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh, scheduled to open on May 2nd, is exceptional in its design and Pop City photographer Brian Cohen captures it beautifully in this photo slide show. Click here.